Hurricane Sandy could improve red tide conditions

Dead fish are seen washed ashore Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Barefoot Beach State Preserve in Bonita Springs. An agal bloom, known commonly as red tide, is a phenomenon where high concentrations of Karenia brevis, a microscopic marine algae, contain toxins that paralyze the nervous system in fish. In large quantities, they cause the water to appear red or murky, hence the name. The blooms can affect humans causing eye and respiratory conditions such as coughing, sneezing, tearing and itching.

Naples Daily News

While Hurricane Sandy threatens the East Coast, some researchers say the storm could help reduce red tide on the Gulf Coast. But that doesn't mean all of the toxin's effects will disappear.

As Hurricane Sandy affects Southeast Florida, its winds are also kicking up water on the west coast of the state. Research scientist Rick Bartleson says that may be a good thing.

He studies water samples from Sanibel Island and for the fifth consecutive day, his tests show low levels of toxic red tide, NBC2 reports.